, 1887-11-08
Their Chances with the Governor.

SPRINGFIELD, Ills, Nov. THE gov
ernUr's mail this morning was composed
of a little over 100 letters, nearly all of
which related to the anarchists case.
This is an increase over any previous day.
In proportion of the requests for elem
ency, 1t also said to be somewhat greater
than yesterday. Chicago, as usual, fur
nishes the bulk of the mail on this sub
iect, and a considerable number OF letters
are marked personal or confidential.
A representative of the Associated
Press called this afternoon upon a mum
of Governor Oglesbv's friends in order to
learn, if possible, their views as to his
probable action in the anarchist case.
Judge Matheny, OF the Sangamon
county court, said: II have known Gov
ernor Oglesby intimately for forty years,
and whatever he decides to do in the case
he will do regardless of threats of violence
or other efforts. He is a sympathetic
man, and | would o be surprised if he
committed the sentence of two or three of
them"
Hon. VIM. Springer said: Il have
known Governor Oglesby long enough to
know that he has the moral and physical
courage to do his duty as he understands.
He will not be swerved by threats of VIC.
lence, but will dispose of the matter on
the grounds Of public policy and | will be
satisfied with his decision, because he is
giving it his patient consideration
Hon.D W. Smith, president of the
Illinois, national bank said. L would
not be surprised if the Governor commu-
ties the sentence of two or three of the con-
demned men if he can see his way clear
to do it. He is "a very kind man, and
there is no doubt there are different de-
grees OF guilt in the cases of these men.
| am confident, however, that no threats
of violence will deter the governor from
consciantiously performing his duty as he
understands"
Great excitement was occasioued here
tonight by the announcement that As
sistant Adjt. Gen. Ewert had notified two
companies of state militia belonging here
to be in readiness to assemble for service.
Men in military uniforms were seen on
the streets but, when questioned, simply
said they had been notified to be ready to
respond to a signal. 1t is not known now
what the object of the order is or where
the troops are to be sent. The belief is
prevalent, however, that they are to be
ordered to Chicago.
A portion of the committee of the
United Labor party who came to inter
cede with the governor In behalf of the
condemned anarchists, arrived here this
evening. The members talked freely re-
garding their mission to the Associated
press representatives. When asked what
effect of finding the bombs in Linggs' cell
would have Mr.. Dixon said: The eff
feet so far produced is deplorable, and
one delegation in this city tonight would
be ten times as large as it is, had not this
matter been published broadcast. | co
not know whether it is really true that
the bombs were secreted in the cell by
Lingg, but | can say this: if it is proven
beyond a doubt after further investigation
that the bombs were there with his pro-
curment no n can conscientiously ask
clemency for him. If Lingg wanted to
insure the hanging of himself and all his
comrades he could not have done a more
likely thing to attain that end than to
secrete those bombs just as he is alleged to
have done"
Later in the evening Mr.. Dixon scanned
closely the press dispatches from Chicago
to learn, if possible, whether it had been
definitely ~ascertained that Lingg had CON
cealed bombs in his cell, or whether there
was ground for the belief that they had
been placed there by officials for the pur-
pose of a%ggravating the public sentiment.
MIR. Dixon asserted that if he believed the
bombs were placed in the cell by Lingg
with the full knowledge and consent of his
comrades, he woull never present a peti-
ton to the governor in their behalf.
Not over an hour was spentby the gov
ernor in his office at the capitol to-day.
He made a brief visit to the state house
at about $3.50, and returned to the execu.
tive mansion at 4:30. The whole day was
consumed in the consideration of the an.
archist positions, pro and eon. The friends
of the condemned anarchists expect Nina
Van Zandt to come tomorrow or
Wednesday, to accompany the delcga-
tions to the capitol.